Governor Cuomo Recognizes Kramer Levin's Contributions to Marriage Equality in NY

On August 4, 2011, acting on behalf of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, Alphonso David, the Governor's Deputy Secretary for Civil Rights, presented Kramer Levin partners Jeffrey S. Trachtman and Norman C. Simon certificates of appreciation in recognition of Kramer Levin's pro bono contributions to achieving marriage equality in New York. Kramer Levin served as co-counsel with Lambda Legal in Hernandez v. Robles, which sought recognition of a right to marry under the New York Constitution, as well as a series of cases establishing respect in New York for the valid out-of-state marriages of same-sex couples. In his remarks, Mr. David said that Kramer Levin's work pushing forward the marriage issue in New York helped make clear that there was no good reason to exclude same-sex couples from civil marriage, so that by 2011 the main debate was over the scope of religious exemptions rather than the basic right to marry.

Also in attendance were Hernandez clients Jo-Ann Shain and Mary Jo Kennedy, who were married July 24, the day the marriage equality law went into effect.

Click below for pictures.